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12 Gauge Strippers

    
   

I’m still a real believer in the shotgun as a police tool. The combination of versatility and firepower insures its place in squad cars for years to come. One of the challenging issues with the shotgun has always been where and how to carry extra rounds. Most patrol shotguns loaded in the “Patrol Ready” configuration (no rounds chambered, the magazine tube full, safety in the “fire” position, and the hammer dropped for immediate racking) hold only four rounds. That’s not enough! For those of you tired of leaving 12-gauge tactical breadcrumbs I have a couple of suggestions; the “Quick Stripper,” and the “12-Gauge Tactical Stripper.”

I’m sure some of you vice guys know some quick strippers, and maybe even some tactical strippers, but we’re talking shotgun speed loaders here guys. The two products I’m talking about share a common basic design, but there are some differences between them. I like them both.

Simple Is Better

The basic design of both units creates a slot for 12-gauge shotgun shells to be held horizontally, in a row, in such a manner they can be quickly and easily “stripped” from the holder, for quick muscle memory reloading.

  
   
Quick Stripper

The Quick Stripper is a quality piece of gear, built by Progressive Machine and Tool in Lancaster, Kentucky. It consists of two machined pieces of slotted aluminum held together with a machined adjustable cross-brace and an attached belt clip. It holds six rounds, held in place by a flat retention spring bent into an arc. The width of the Quick Stripper is adjustable to accommodate shotgun shells from 2.75" to 3". The belt clip is none other than Blade-Tech’s excellent Tek-Lok, which offers a wide range of quick attachment options.

Tactical Stripper

The 12-Gauge Tactical Stripper is made by California Competition Works. This device is made of glass-filled nylon. There are wire springs at each end, which keep the shells from falling out of the holder. The 12-Gauge Tactical Stripper comes in four-round or six-round configurations, and it comes in black, coyote tan or blaze orange. The belt clip is stainless steel, and it will accommodate a 2.25" duty belt. It is designed to hold up to 3" shells, and it comes with two spacers of slightly different thickness to accommodate different shell lengths. The spacers can be Velcro attached to the carrier with the included Velcro “coins,” or they can be semipermanently attached with silicone or glue. The unit also can be purchased with a Cordura cover to keep the rounds protected from debris or to help keep specialty rounds separate from other loads.

Fit For Duty

Although the devices are similar, there are some differences. Since the Quick Stripper is machined aluminum, it appears somewhat more rugged than the 12-Gauge Tactical Stripper. Additionally, the Tek-Lok belt clip on the Quick Stripper is located flush with the top of the carrier, while the belt clip on the 12-Gauge Tactical Stripper is located roughly in the middle of the carrier. Depending on how you want the carrier to fit on your belt, this could make a significant difference to you. Another difference between the two is the cost. Because the Quick Stripper is machined aluminum, adjustable, and utilizes a Tek-Lok belt clip, it is clearly more expensive to produce, and consequently, more expensive to buy. Depending on your needs and application, it may well be worth it. For some, the glass-filled nylon 12-Gauge Tactical Stripper may be the better choice. Both are great tools that will help keep you fumble free when reloading in a big hurry. The only drawback is that you won’t be able to follow the 12 gauge breadcrumbs back to your car….

For More Info: www.progressivemachine.net, www.demooner.com ,
www.tuckergunleather.com

  



 

 

  

 

First published in the May/June 2008 issue of American COP.

    
   
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